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Felix
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Airfix D.H. Vampire FB9 1/48

November 9, 2024 · in Aviation · · 17 · 239

Having bought and soon after trashed the first edition of this kit back in 2021, i was somewhat reluctant to buy the reboxing. The is such an iconic aircraft and really did a somewhat uninspired job. There is a solid number of parts and details but the kit suffers from bad fit. The fuselage halves are somewhat warped which results in a nasty "scar" beneath the cockpit.

It reminds me of the 1/48th Sabre kit. Not bad, but so much more should have been. Still, i am glad i have a Vampire now. Now hopefully Airfix produce a Vampire Trainer in 48th scale soon.

I built the 502 Squadron from 1955 (Belfast). AK interactive acrylics and a grey filter, an oil wash and Eduard seatbelts.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Reader reactions:
8  Awesome 2 

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


17 responses

  1. The result is really nice, Felix @fxrob
    I really like the fading on the camouflage colors.

  2. Pilot Replicas has done an excellent Vampire T.11

    I'm not sure what the problems in assembly you mention were, because I had no problems I could remember. I even checked my review and there were none noted.

    https://modelingmadness.com/review/korean/cleaver/gb/raf/tcv3.htm

    • I do remember your build, Tom @tcinla! It was one of the first reviews. Maybe it's just my nagging middleaged nature 🙂 I mean, it WAS fun to build. But it should have been as inspiring as the 48th Blenheim or the new Sea King - impeccable in every aspect, in other words. Your review mentions the gaps regarding the fuselages and i am afraid they continue to persist.

  3. Beauty. I need a Vampire

  4. Well done, Felix.

  5. Great job, Felix. I like the mottling effect on the greys and greens. What techniques did you use?

    • Dear Aldo @aldog, i did a lot of preshading in the form of mottling with white and some yellow and light brown hues. I have a photo here, that shows the first few layers.

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

  6. Well done, Felix!
    Excellent result!

  7. Nicely done Felix @fxrob - she looks great 🧛‍♀️

  8. Nice work! I had to do some trimming to get the forward fuselage to close cleanly around the interior parts too.

  9. Nicely done - a lovely Vampire!

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